§ Mr. Keith SimpsonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he is taking to restrict the erection of telecommunications masts in residential areas. [70159]
§ Mr. McNultyMobile phone mast development in residential areas is subject to the normal telecommunications planning arrangements in place throughout England, set out in Part 24 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO). These arrangements were significantly strengthened last year and include improved requirements for consulting local people about mast proposals. The changes to the GPDO were underpinned by revised guidance, set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 8, Telecommunications.
The Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health, published in May 2000, did not recommend that the erection of mobile phone masts should be restricted in residential areas and we have no plans to introduce such a restriction.